Maine Department of Labor Veterans Representatives Receive State and National Awards, including 2023 DAV Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program Specialist of the Year Bookmark and Share

August 15, 2023

For Immediate Release: August 15, 2023

Maine Department of Labor Veterans Representatives Receive State and National Awards, including 2023 DAV Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program Specialist of the Year

MAINE - Two of the Maine Department of Labors Veterans Representatives, Bradley Bean of Augusta and Marty Estrada of Hampden, have been nationally recognized by nonprofit Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - https://www.dav.org/ for their work connecting veterans to employment.

Bradley Bean, who works out of the Augusta CareerCenter, received the Maine DAV Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) Award, and was selected as the 2023 DAV Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialist of the Year. He was formally recognized - https://www.dav.org/learn-more/news/2023/maine-veteran-honored-nationally-for-helping-veterans-find-employment/ on August 6 during the 2023 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Marty Estrada, who works out of the Bangor CareerCenter, received the Outstanding Local Veterans Employment Representative of the Year for Maine award, recognizing him as an exceptional resource for veterans in the state.

"Congratulations to Veterans Representatives Bradley Bean and Marty Estrada for their well-deserved recognition," Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman said. "Bean and Estrada are leaders in our state, working to connect their fellow veterans and their families with resources and employment opportunities. A perfect example is their work on the annual Hire-A-Vet Campaign, which kicks off later this week."

Bradley Bean: Throughout 2022, Bradley distinguished himself by his actions as an exceptional Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist. He provided individualized career services to 110 veterans and assisted 48 veterans in finding meaningful employment opportunities. His exceptional training efforts with Maine CareerCenter staff and area workforce partners was also recognized when the Augusta CareerCenter received the Jobs for Veterans State Grant Federal Incentive Award 2023.

Bradley devoted an abundance of his time to support local higher educational facilities and educate veteran students on CareerCenter services. He is also an active member of several Maine Military & Community Network Regional Groups and is Co-Chair of the Kennebec County Regional Group

Marty Estrada: Marty has established positive connections with many employers in Northern Maine. This proved invaluable as his efforts aided in over 600 employer connections for veteran related employment services and support. In addition, his direct involvement with local and regional hiring events provided direct connections between veteran and non-veteran job seekers with area employers.

Additional achievements included being an integral member of the Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign Planning Committee. This is an annual focused veteran hiring campaign with a goal of getting 100 veterans hired in 100 days by 100 employers.

He has devoted much of his time to support local community colleges, high schools, and area public libraries. This support involved career exploration initiatives, job searching activities and direct employment support. He is also an active member of the Greater Bangor Maine Military and Community Network Regional Group

For more information on veterans services in Maine, visit https://www.mainecareercenter.com/employment/veterans.shtml. Veterans representatives are available across the state at each of Maine CareerCenters, and can also be contacted by emailing MaineHireAVet.DOL@maine.gov.

For more information on the Hire-A-Vet Campaign and how to get involved, visit https://www.mainecareercenter.com/mhav/

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